NFL's top 25 games of 2024

Wed May 15 2:01pm ET
Field Level Media

Christmas Day for NFL marketing and ticket sales departments finally arrived Wednesday with the release of the 2024 season schedule.

With subplots and peripheral angles multiplying before our eyes - hello, Netflix, welcome to NFL holiday football broadcasts - Field Level Media's football-minded contributors assembled the top 25 games of 2024.

24. Cardinals at Jets, TBD: We're grabbing our popcorn for one matchup, and one matchup alone: Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner. Top five draft picks likely to be near the top of the pecking order at their position for a decade.

23. Colts at Patriots, TBD: Drake Maye, the No. 3 pick in the 2024 draft, meet Anthony Richardson, drafted fourth overall in 2023. Indianapolis appeared to have a hit on its hands before Richardson was shut down to undergo shoulder surgery. If he can stay healthy and Maye isn't relegated to clipboard duty behind former Colts starter Jacoby Brissett, we're eager to make early evaluations of purported franchise QBs.

22. Jaguars at Eagles, TBD: Young QBs and strong pass rush are common bonds, sure, but the plotline we're looking at is the reception for Jacksonville head coach Doug Pederson. He played for the Eagles (1999) but was essentially a coach-in-training for Donovan McNabb, then served as an assistant for Andy Reid and came back from a stint in KC for a five-year run that included a Super Bowl.

21. Bears at Texans, TBD: The Bears also get a meeting with the Carolina Panthers for the second consecutive season. With all due respect to Panthers 2023 No. 1 pick Bryce Young, the top rookie quarterback last season was Houston's C.J. Stroud. His numbers would have been the best ever single-season passing total for a Bears QB (4,108 to Erik Kramer's team record of 3,803). Stroud had 26 TD passes including the playoffs despite missing time with a concussion). The Bears hitched their wagon to No. 1 pick Caleb Williams with the rookie carrying massive talent - and expectations - in Year 1.

20. Vikings at Giants, TBD: All of the QB uncertainty one can handle on the undercard, LSU products Justin Jefferson (Vikings) and Malik Nabers (Giants) in the main event.

19. 49ers at Seahawks, TBD: Maybe you overlooked it. There's not a chance Brock Purdy did. He knows new Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald's defense - that of the Ravens - had him seeing ghosts in a five-interception laugher on Christmas Night last season. Macdonald's new club has a bunch of cross-training chess pieces determined to unseat the 49ers from the NFC West perch.

18. Jets at 49ers, Sept. 9: Week 1 on "Monday Night Football" is a familiar refrain for the Jets, who are hoping Aaron Rodgers has some magic left following a season-ending injury four snaps into his first start with the team in 2023. Rodgers is local - Chico, Calif., Butte JC and Cal - and went 6-3 against the 49ers with the Packers. Now 40 years old, he'll try to tip the scales toward the Jets, who are 3-11 all-time in the series with San Francisco. Jets head coach Robert Saleh has known 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan since breaking into the NFL as a low-level assistant with the Texans 15 years ago and was defensive coordinator on his staff before taking over with the Jets.

17. Cowboys at Commanders, TBD: Dan Quinn gets his second chance as a head coach in Washington and to be the champ in the NFC East, he'll have to take down his previous employer and boss, the Cowboys and Mike McCarthy. Given the amount of time Quinn spent with McCarthy and Dak Prescott, don't discount the level of concern the Cowboys have entering two games with Washington.

16. Eagles vs. Packers (Brazil), Sept. 6: The youngest roster in the NFL last season belonged to the Packers, and nobody can fault what Green Bay did in the offseason. Head coach Matt LaFleur debuts his offense with Josh Jacobs at running back and a new-look defense. It'll also be a big reveal game for the Eagles, unleashing their own big-ticket offseason item, Saquon Barkley, and a number of new faces on defense.

15. Falcons at Vikings, TBD: Welcome back, Kirk Cousins, congratulations on finding a team that didn't want to invest in a young quarterback to insure its $100M guarantee to a 35-year-old starter coming off an Achilles injury. Oops. Cousins could be hailed or hated for bailing on the Vikings in free agency following 50 regular-season wins in six seasons of Skol-ing.

14. Ravens at Chargers, TBD: Los Angeles and new hire Jim Harbaugh welcome John Harbaugh and the Ravens with entertainment expected to be rich before, during and after a matchup of AFC heavyweights. John Harbaugh won the last meeting and survived a brief power outage at the Super Bowl in New Orleans to take home the Lombardi and deal Jim's 49ers a painful defeat.

13. Steelers at Broncos, Week 2: Revenge games bring out the spirit and emotion you might not otherwise find in games that don't include Mike Tomlin. Pittsburgh picked up Russell Wilson after he was scrapped at a cost north of $80 million to Denver by second-year head coach Sean Payton. Payton, of course, is still in town and brought in a rookie, Oregon's Bo Nix, to train in the system that helped make Drew Brees a legend. Don't look now, but Pittsburgh had a sneaky excellent offseason while the Broncos shed leaders and linchpins on both sides of the ball (Wilson, Justin Simmons, Jerry Jeudy). If reunions are your thing, Payton also heads back to New Orleans this season.

12. Jets at Bills, Week 17: We know they'll get an earlier go at each other on "Monday Night Football" In October, but let's give the season time to breath and Aaron Rodgers time to round back into form. He'll be recently removed from his 41st birthday but should know the names of all of his wide receivers, a task Josh Allen might need more time to complete.

11. Ravens at Cowboys, TBD: Dak Prescott was great at home last season and Dallas fortified the offensive line through the draft. Whether new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer has an answer for mobile quarterbacks - namely Lamar Jackson - might be the hot-button issue for the Cowboys. Baltimore's No. 1-ranked defense in 2023 also traveled well last season, battering Brock Purdy, Trevor Lawrence and Justin Herbert and limiting those three teams to a combined 36 points in Ravens' road wins.

10. 49ers at Packers, Nov. 24: Week 12 and the start of a pivotal, NFC-dominated, primetime featured stretch for Green Bay with nighttime marquee matchups at Detroit (Week 14) and Seattle (Week 15) ahead. Jordan Love's two interceptions stopped the Packers short of an upset at San Francisco in the divisional playoffs in January.

9. Texans at Cowboys, TBD: C.J. Stroud appears to be special and the Texans made sure his supporting cast wouldn't be a reason for a sophomore slump. But one warning: only the Bills and Patriots have a more difficult schedule based on 2023 results and offseason moves. Among the appealing underlying matchups: Houston wide receiver Stefon Diggs vs. Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs.

8. Bears at Packers, Jan. 5: The Week 18 finale was meaningful for Green Bay last season, and Jordan Love guided the Packers into the postseason to sweep the Bears and continue the trend Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers started. No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams makes his first foray into the likely frozen tundra. Will the Bears be playing for more than a spoiler token?

7. Dolphins at 49ers, TBD: It was Dec. 4, 2022, and far more meaningful than we knew at the time when a seventh-round rookie - 49ers QB Brock Purdy - made his first career start with two TD passes in a 33-17 home win over the Miami Dolphins. Back to the scene come the Dolphins with former 49ers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel a solid bet to share some unknown intel about old boss Kyle Shanahan in the game week buildup.

6. Ravens at Chiefs, Sept. 5: Had this one been bumped back a couple months to multiply the meaningfulness in the standings and AFC playoff picture, it had an angle on a top three game of the 2024 regular season. Lamar Jackson vs. Patrick Mahomes remains must-see for all the right reasons.

5. 49ers at Bills, Dec. 4: The week-after-Thanksgiving primetime game on Sunday of Week 13 should be meaningful for teams with Super Bowl aspirations.

4. Rams at Lions, TBD: Two franchises on schedule to combine for more than $350 million in deposits into Jared Goff's bank account are back at it with Detroit out to duplicate their playoff win in January over one-time Lions QB Matthew Stafford.

3. Ravens at Eagles, TBD: Star power on display? Check-check. Potential Super Bowl preview? Sure thing. Saquon Barkley (Eagles) and Derrick Henry (Ravens) add firepower to a pair of offenses with explosive potential.

2. Lions at 49ers, TBD: Other than tackle eligible, think of another phrase that could spike Dan Campbell's temperature more than "at San Francisco." Didn't think so. The Lions were halfway to Las Vegas for the Super Bowl leading the 49ers handily in the NFC Championship but coughed up a 17-point lead and bowed out of the playoffs in a 34-31 defeat instead. If Campbell circled this game on the schedule in ink, we're guessing you can't read it.

1. (tie) Chiefs at 49ers, TBD: Familiar enough to be rivals, the Chiefs left with the jewels in recent games that really mattered between teams with a combined 50-18 record the past two regular seasons. San Francisco took a lashing from the Chiefs, 44-23, at home in Oct. 23 before the dawning of the Brock Purdy era.

1. (tie) Bengals at Chiefs, TBD: Don't forget Joe Burrow, he's more than the highest-paid player in 2024. The Bengals quarterback is 3-1 against the Chiefs but was sidelined with a broken wrist when the teams played in 2023. Don't look for a warm reception in Kansas City, where fans aren't soon to forget Burrow's boys calling the Chiefs' stadium "Burrow-head" based on his success at the home of Patrick Mahomes.

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The Paur Report

Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 11

Player Notes
Xavier Weaver Nov 15 5:30pm CT
Xavier Weaver

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Xavier Weaver is expected to see an expanded role during the upcoming Week 11 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. Weaver has barely played this season, and sat out last week's game due to an ankle issue. He appears to be healthy now and ready to make an impact. Weaver could be asked to step up with Marvin Harrison Jr. (appendix) ruled out for Sunday's game. He figures to serve as the third wideout behind Michael Wilson and Greg Dortch. Weaver hasn't done enough on the field to warrant starting this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Elijah Higgins Nov 15 5:20pm CT
Elijah Higgins

Arizona Cardinals tight end Elijah Higgins has seen an increased role on offense over the last few weeks. Over the last two games, Higgins has hauled in five of his six targets for 49 yards. Despite that, he remains the backup to Trey McBride, who is one of the best tight ends in the league. It's possible that Higgins does see a slightly larger workload with Marvin Harrison Jr. (appendix) out in Week 11. Normally, Higgins has been playing about 40 percent of the offensive snaps. There's a chance that does increase, but probably not by too much. Higgins is a desperation deep league option for the Week 11 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.

From RotoBaller

Daniel Carlson Nov 15 5:10pm CT
Daniel Carlson

Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson hasn't been able to offer fantasy managers much value over the last few weeks. Over the last three games, Carlson is 1-for-2 on field goal attempts, while making 3-of-4 extra point attempts. The 30-year-old hasn't been great this season, but he also doesn't get a ton of chances. The promising news is that Carlson is heading into a favorable matchup in Week 11. The Raiders will face off against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night. The Cowboys have struggled to contain anyone this season, so the Raiders should be able to get into scoring position. Carlson isn't an ideal fantasy option, but he should offer better value than he has the past few weeks.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Lockett Nov 15 4:50pm CT
Tyler Lockett

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tyler Lockett (knee) was limited in Thursday's practice with a knee injury, but he put in full practices on Friday and Saturday and has been cleared to play in Week 11 against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football, according to Ryan McFadden of ESPN. In a pristine matchup, Lockett will be looking to stay heavily involved in the passing attack after catching five of his six targets for a season-high 44 yards in the Week 10 loss to the Denver Broncos. The 33-year-old had only 10 catches for 70 scoreless yards in seven games with the Titans before joining the Raiders and reuniting with quarterback Geno Smith. Lockett and Smith have clear chemistry from their days in Seattle. With that said, Lockett might still be the No. 3 target for Smith behind Tre Tucker and Brock Bowers. Lockett's upside isn't what it used to be, but his chemistry with Smith shouldn't be ignored, and he's facing the worst defense against WRs this week in Dallas. In deeper fantasy leagues, Lockett is in play as a WR4/5 this week.

From RotoBaller

Demarcus Robinson Nov 15 4:40pm CT
Demarcus Robinson

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Demarcus Robinson hasn't made much of an impact in the passing game in his first year in the Bay Area despite the 49ers being one of the most banged-up teams in the NFL. Through seven games (one start) in 2025, Robinson has caught 11 of his 21 targets for 142 yards and is still searching for his first touchdown of the year. He did play 46% of the offensive snaps (third-highest snap share of the season) in last week's blowout loss to the Los Angeles Rams, but it led to only three catches on four targets for 34 yards. Fellow wideout Ricky Pearsall (knee) is making his return this weekend for the first time since spraining his PCL in Week 4, so Robinson figures to see less time on the field in Week 11 versus the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals' defense has been middle of the pack in terms of fantasy points allowed per game to opposing wideouts, and Robinson remains off the fantasy radar in pretty much all leagues.

From RotoBaller

Darnell Washington Nov 15 4:30pm CT
Darnell Washington

Pittsburgh Steelers big-bodied tight end Darnell Washington caught his only touchdown of the season and the second of his career in the first matchup against the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals on Oct. 16, but it came on just three catches (five targets) for two yards. Since then, the 6-foot-7, 264-pound unit has caught five passes for 58 yards and no touchdowns on seven targets as the team's TE3 behind Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith. In nine total games in 2025 in his third year in the NFL, Washington has just 14 receptions for 142 yards and one touchdown on 21 targets. His size sets him apart when quarterback Aaron Rodgers is facing pressure and he just needs to throw the ball up to a big target, but otherwise, Washington just isn't seeing enough volume to be anything more than a TE3 in fantasy, even against a Bengals defense that has allowed the most half-PPR points per game to the TE position.

From RotoBaller

DeMarvion Overshown Nov 15 4:00pm CT
DeMarvion Overshown

Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown (knee) is off the injury report and will make his 2025 debut against the Las Vegas Raiders. Overshown suffered a significant knee injury (Torn ACL, MCL, PCL) in December of 2024 but is making his return just 11 months after the horrifying injury. During his rookie season, Overshown was an impact player for the Cowboys, forcing five sacks, 90 tackles, a forced fumble, and a pick-six in just 13 games. The Cowboys' defense has struggled in both the run game and the passing game, so Overshown's presence will be one to watch on Monday Night when they face the Las Vegas Raiders.

From RotoBaller

Younghoe Koo Nov 15 3:50pm CT
Younghoe Koo

The New York Giants have signed kicker Younghoe Koo to the active roster ahead of Week 11's matchup against the Green Bay Packers. With Graham Gano (neck) on the injured reserve, Koo will likely serve the kicking duties for the remainder of the season. Koo made both field goal and extra point attempts in Week 10, even in the cold and windy conditions in Chicago. The Giants face the Green Bay Packers in Week 11, who have been an elite defense in 2025. With Jaxson Dart (concussion) out, and Jameis Winston under center, field goal opportunities could be rare in this one.

From RotoBaller

Milton Williams Nov 15 3:50pm CT
Milton Williams

The New England Patriots have placed defensive tackle Milton Williams (ankle) on injured reserve after he suffered a high-ankle sprain early in Thursday night's win over the New York Jets. Williams, who signed a four-year, $104 million contract in the offseason, has been one of the driving forces behind New England's dramatic improvement against the run. Williams was a key part of the Philadelphia Eagles' run defense in 2024 when they ranked as the best defense against running backs. With Williams sidelined until at least Week 16, the team will need defensive ends Joshua Farmer and Cory Durden to step up in Williams' absence.

From RotoBaller

Dont'e Thornton Jr. Nov 15 3:40pm CT
Dont'e Thornton Jr.

Las Vegas Raiders rookie wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. is trying to take advantage of expanded opportunities in Week 11. Thornton only caught one pass for four yards in their Week 11 loss to the Denver Broncos, but played 60% of the snaps, which ranked second on the team. With the Dallas Cowboys on the slate in Week 11, Thornton could offer big-play upside in deeper leagues and DFS formats. The Cowboys have allowed the most half-PPR fantasy points to wide receivers this season, so this could be a big week for the rookie receiver. In what should be a high-scoring affair in Week 11, look for Thornton to make an impact in Week 11.

From RotoBaller

Gabriel Davis Nov 15 3:30pm CT
Gabriel Davis

The Buffalo Bills activated wide receivers Mecole Hardman and Gabriel Davis to the active roster this week. Hardman, who was recently signed, brings game-breaking speed as a receiving and return specialist, while Davis offers size and experience in the offense. Khalil Shakir remains the team's No. 1 receiver but currently ranks 41st in the NFL in receiving yards. With no injury designations in the Bills' wide receiver room, the latest roster moves suggest that at least one receiver is likely to be a healthy scratch against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While neither Hardman nor Davis carries much fantasy value this week, both should have opportunities to add a spark to an underwhelming receiving room.

From RotoBaller

Sam LaPorta Nov 15 3:20pm CT
Sam LaPorta

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (back) was placed on Injured Reserve ahead of the Week 11 Sunday night game against the Philadelphia Eagles. LaPorta did not practice this week and was ruled out before their primetime game against the Eagles. Through nine games, LaPorta has hauled in 40 of 49 targets for 489 yards and three touchdowns, ranking as the TE8 in PPR formats. LaPorta's absence should upgrade the other weapons across the board, especially Jameson Williams and tight end Brock Wright, who is questionable to play this weekend with an ankle injury. The next chance that LaPorta has to return is in Week 15, when they head to Los Angeles to take on the Rams.

From RotoBaller

Cade Stover Nov 15 3:10pm CT
Cade Stover

The Houston Texans have activated tight end Cade Stover (foot) from Injured Reserve heading into their Week 11 matchup against the Tennessee Titans. The team placed tight end Harrison Bryant (neck/shoulder) on Injured Reserve in a corresponding roster move. Stover has been sidelined since suffering a broken foot in Week 1. Across 15 games as a rookie in 2024, Stover recorded 15 catches for 133 yards and a touchdown on 22 targets. While Stover is unlikely to play a fantasy-relevant role himself, his return could threaten the playing time of Texans tight end Dalton Schultz. Schultz has emerged as a consistent feature in the Houston passing game in recent weeks, recording 24 catches for 252 yards and a touchdown on 32 targets over his last four games. Fantasy managers should monitor the playing time split between Schultz and Stover in Week 11.

From RotoBaller

Elijah Arroyo Nov 15 3:00pm CT
Elijah Arroyo

Through the first nine games of his NFL career, Seattle Seahawks rookie tight end Elijah Arroyo has recorded 14 catches for 174 yards and a touchdown on 20 targets. While Arroyo has flashed upside, his production ceiling is limited as he splits snaps with fellow Seahawks tight end AJ Barner. The Seahawks have a difficult matchup in Week 11 against the Los Angeles Rams. Through 10 weeks, the Rams defense is allowing the seventh-fewest (6.6) yards per pass attempt in the NFL. Arroyo has not recorded more than five targets or four catches in any game this season, and he appears unlikely to surpass those marks against Los Angeles. Fantasy managers should avoid starting Arroyo in Week 11 against the Rams.

From RotoBaller

J.K. Dobbins Nov 15 2:40pm CT
J.K. Dobbins

Denver Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins (foot) has a "significant" foot injury that will require season-ending surgery, according to Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Dobbins suffered the injury in Week 10 and had already been ruled out for Denver's Week 11 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, but he will now be placed on Injured Reserve. It's an unfortunate development for the oft-injured 26-year-old, who was having a solid season in his first year in Denver. Through 10 games, Dobbins had recorded 772 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 153 carries. With Dobbins sidelined, Broncos rookie running back RJ Harvey profiles as the team's RB1 for Week 11 and beyond. Fellow backs Tyler Badie and Jaleel McLaughlin could also factor in Denver, but neither profiles as a true threat to surpass Harvey.

From RotoBaller

Jaylon Johnson Nov 15 2:20pm CT
Jaylon Johnson

Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson (groin) has been downgraded to out for his team's Week 11 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. The star corner has been on Injured Reserve since Week 2 due to a groin injury. Chicago has opened Johnson's activation window, and he was able to log a limited practice on Friday, but he'll have to wait at least one more week before returning to the field. Across 17 games in 2024, Johnson recorded 42 solo tackles and two interceptions and was named to his second Pro Bowl. Without Johnson, Tyrique Stevenson and Nahshon Wright will likely see the majority of the team's cornerback snaps in Week 11. Johnson's next chance to make his return to the lineup will be in Week 12 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

From RotoBaller

Jermaine Burton Nov 15 2:10pm CT
Jermaine Burton

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton (illness) will not play in his team's Week 11 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers due to illness, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Burton has not appeared in a game for Cincinnati yet this season. The former third-round pick flashed upside at times during his rookie season in 2024, but he is buried on the Bengals' wide receiver depth chart. Cincinnati wideouts Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Andrei Iosivas should remain the top options for quarterback Joe Flacco in Week 11 against Pittsburgh.

From RotoBaller

Pat Bryant Nov 15 2:00pm CT
Pat Bryant

Through the first nine games of his NFL career, Denver Broncos rookie wide receiver Pat Bryant has recorded 10 catches for 149 yards and a touchdown on 19 targets. With Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. (concussion) sidelined by a concussion, Bryant has stepped into the WR3 role in Denver over the past two weeks. However, Mims Jr. logged three full practices this week and does not carry an injury designation into the team's Week 11 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. Bryant should still see some snaps against Kansas City, but the return of Mims Jr. limits his breakout potential. The Chiefs are also a difficult matchup, as they have allowed the fifth-fewest passing yards (1,763) in the NFL so far this season. Bryant should remain off the radar of fantasy managers in Week 11.

From RotoBaller

Brandon McManus Nov 15 1:50pm CT
Brandon McManus

Green Bay Packers kicker Brandon McManus (right quad) has been added to the injury report and listed as doubtful to play in his team's Week 11 matchup against the New York Giants. McManus has been playing through the quad injury for a few weeks, but it appears he may have taken a turn for the worse heading into Week 11. If he is unable to go on Sunday, backup kicker Lucas Havrisik appears likely to take over kicking duties for Green Bay. The Packers have been one of the rare teams to carry two kickers on their 53-man roster with McManus playing through injury. Havrisik has appeared in two games this season and converted on all four of his field goal attempts.

From RotoBaller

Cairo Santos Nov 15 1:40pm CT
Cairo Santos

Chicago Bears kicker Cairo Santos has been a safe floor option at the position this season. Through seven games, Santos has made 12 of 15 kicks, while making all 20 extra point attempts. Santos is averaging 9.1 fantasy points per game this season, which puts him on pace to finish as the 13th-ranked kicker. The Bears face the Minnesota Vikings in Week 11, which will be Santos's first indoor game since Week 2. Despite the ideal kicking conditions, the Vikings may fare as a tough matchup for the veteran kicker, as only one other team has forced more missed field goals this season than the Vikings. Santos is a low-end starting option against the Vikings, as he looks to have his first big game of the 2025 season.

From RotoBaller